Joseph: How Will I Handle “Success”?

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Joseph: How Will I Handle “Success”? Pastor Derek Sanford July 16, 2017 Life Group Discussion Questions: 1. Thinking back on this week’s sermon, was there a particular point or passage that challenged you, confused you, or caught your attention? 2. Derek said, “it is hard to faithful during suffering, but harder still to be faithful during success.” Consider your life and relationship with the Lord- how have you seen the truth of this statement in your own life? Who is bigger in your life right now, yourself or God? 3. Read Genesis 40:23-41:57. Consider how many times Joseph could turn his eyes from God and onto himself. Though Joseph cannot see it, what is God’s bigger plan? For what purpose is Joseph rising in power? 4. Derek gave 4 rungs on “God’s ladder of success”: a. Purity over Pedigree (:37-40)- How do you impact people from your position/title? How are you impacting them through your relationship with Jesus? b. Servanthood over Selfishness (:47-48). Consider Jesus’s temptation in Matthew 4:111 and His words in Matthew 20:25-28. c. Bold Faith over Blending In (:51-52). What stance is Joseph taking in the names he gives his sons? Consider Daniel’s bold faith in Daniel 2:26-28 and 6:3-5. d. Big Picture over Big Promotions (:57)- “With success comes great responsibility before God…earthly success should give us pause. Where is His bigger picture at work? 5. Read Genesis 12:1-3. Why is God going to bless Abraham and his descendants (:3)? Now read Joshua 1:6-9. What is the key to the Israelites remaining “prosperous and successful?” Read John 3:16 and Acts 1:8. How has God’s story moved from one man, to a nation, to all men everywhere?

Next Steps: 1- In what area(s) of your life do you need to “promote God and not yourself?” 2- Consider setting aside a length of time to fast and pray about how you are living your part in God’s story. 3Commit yourself to reading God’s Story, to discovering His faithfulness. Spend time in His Word. Prayer Thought: Praise God for His sovereignty and for the Story He has been writing since the Creation of the World. Confess to Him the areas of life that you have been focused on self and the world’s ladder of success. Thank God for your part in His story, for opportunity to serve Him and others. Ask Him for a heart surrendered to His work and for wisdom to lead and serve others.

SMB 7/13/17